Is Denver, CO cheaper than Sterling, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 22.4% cheaper than Sterling, VA. This translates to saving $1677 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Sterling, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sterling, VA, you'd need approximately $129,870.886 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sterling, VA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 37.7% cheaper than in Sterling, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,219/month in Sterling, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sterling, VA to Denver, CO?

Moving from Sterling, VA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1677 per month, or $20129 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sterling, VA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sterling, VA — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in Sterling, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.9K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 22.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,677

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Sterling, VA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:78

Median Home:$513K

Sterling, VA

The Old Dominion State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 30K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Sterling, VA vs Denver, CO

Category	Sterling, VA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,211/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,962less	37.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,757/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $296less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,701/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $73.55more	4.3%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$519/mo	↑ $28.47more	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$632/mo	↑ $21.81more	3.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $12.72less	1.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.7%

Sterling, VA

$5,211

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,962

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.8%

Sterling, VA

$1,757

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$296

less

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Sterling, VA

$1,701

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$73.55

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.8%

Sterling, VA

$491

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$28.47

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.6%

Sterling, VA

$610

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$21.81

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.2%

Sterling, VA

$1,042

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$12.72

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Sterling, VA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,505

To$1,720

↑ $215

1 Bed

From$1,743

To$1,840

↑ $97.00

2 Bed

From$2,219

To$2,190

↓ $29.00

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$2,870

↓ $220

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,812

Monthly in Sterling, VA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$2,147

Difference

Home Values

Sterling

Denver

Median Value

$513K

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$147

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

Sterling, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Sterling, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.